In a recent article published March 25th, 2014 by Kiosk Marketplace written by Frank Olea, CEO of Olea kiosks, Frank explains that the new generation of hospital kiosks is starting to show a positive presence in hospitals. This is because the new kiosk technology is more efficient and can do so much more that previous generations. The article names kiosks as “engaging, versatile, and far-reaching.” Wayfinding, for example, provides patients with pinpoint precision to any desired location in hospital’s facilities. Not only can some kiosks provide diagnosis through Internet video, other kiosks (like those offered by PatientWay) can provide full registration and check-in to appointments, insurance verification, and payment options.

“Skepticism about kiosks is now being replaced with wholehearted enthusiasm by an increasing number of healthcare professionals, patients, and providers.“

The article continues to debunk common kiosk myths. These include there being less face-to-face time between patients and healthcare providers, or that patients need to spend large amounts of time filling out data. In reality, kiosks improve the Patient Experience everywhere. The article goes on to show that the use of kiosks means that the sickest patients gain more time with healthcare physicians and healthcare professionals are able to manage their workloads more efficiently. Streamlining the check-in process with kiosks hugely improves the patient experience particularly for patients arriving during high volume periods. Less face-to-face time comes from reduced physical paperwork obligations as clinics can have a streamlined system to transfer patient information in seconds. “Confusion results from not fully understanding the power of well-applied technology to connect people rather than separate them.”

PatientWay parallels the message to healthcare readers and providers. Check-in kiosks like those provided by PatientWay are a well-proven technology that the healthcare industry is noticing and improving upon for the best outcomes for patients and hospitals alike.

In November we posted an article about PatientWay’s pilot project with St. Joseph’s Ambulatory Care Clinic in Toronto, Ontario. The hospital clinic was experiencing a high rate of returning patients and required additional support services during high volume times. The PatientWay registration kiosk was installed in October 2013, providing two major benefits to the hospital: satisfied patients and shorter wait times. We now have a printable case study of St. Joseph’s kiosk installation and successful integration with their MEDITECH MAGIC system.